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Guterres: End of Fossil Fuel Has Come
Guterres: End of Fossil Fuel Has Come
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has said the end of fossil fuel has come, stating that the world has started embracing clean energy.
Guterres in a televised broadcast: “A Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the Clean Energy Age,”said: “The headlines are dominated by a world in trouble. By conflict and climate chaos.
By rising human suffering. By growing geo-political divides. But amidst the turmoil, another story is being written.
“And its implications will be profound.
Throughout history, energy has shaped the destiny of humankind – from mastering
fire, to harnessing steam, to splitting the atom. Now, we are on the cusp of a new era.
Fossil fuels are running out of road. The sun is rising on a clean energy age.
“Just follow the money $2 trillion went into clean energy last year – that’s $800 billion more than fossil fuels, and up almost 70% in ten years.
“And new data released today from the International Renewable Energy Agency
shows that solar – not so long ago four times the cost of fossil fuels – is now 41%
cheaper. Offshore wind – 53%. And over 90% of new renewables worldwide produced electricity for less than the
cheapest new fossil fuel alternative.
“This is not just a shift in power. It is a shift in possibility. Yes, in repairing our relationship with the climate. Already, the carbon emissions saved by solar and wind globally are almost equivalent to what the whole European Union produces in a year.
But this transformation is fundamentally about energy security and people’s
security.
“It’s about smart economics. Decent jobs, public health, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. And delivering clean and affordable energy to everyone, everywhere.
“Today, we are releasing a special report with the support of UN agencies and
partners — the International Energy Agency, the IMF, IRENA, the OECD and the
World Bank. The report shows how far we have come in the decade since the Paris Agreement sparked a clean energy revolution. And it highlights the vast benefits – and actions needed – to accelerate a just transition globally. Renewables already nearly match fossil fuels in global installed power capacity. And that’s just the beginning.
“Last year, almost all the new power capacity built came from renewables.
Every continent on Earth added more renewables capacity than fossil fuels.
And renewables generated almost a third of global electricity. The clean energy future is no longer a promise. It’s a fact. No government. No industry. No special interest can stop it.”
Gutteres said: “Of course, the fossil fuel lobby will try – and we know the lengths to which they will go. But I have never been more confident that they will fail – because we have passed the point of no return.”
He explained that there are three powerful reasons; which are market economics as number one, stating that: “For decades, emissions and economic growth rose together,” but: “No more in many advanced economies, emissions have peaked, but growth continues.
“In 2023 alone, clean energy sectors drove 10% of global GDP growth. In India, 5%. The United States, 6%. China – a leader in the energy transition – 20%. And in the European Union, nearly 33%. And clean energy sector jobs now outnumber fossil fuel jobs – employing almost 35 million people worldwide. Even Texas – the heart of the American fossil fuel industry – now leads the US in renewables.”
He noted that “it makes economic sense.
And yet fossil fuels still enjoy a 9 to 1 advantage in consumption subsidies
globally – a clear market distortion.
Add to that the unaccounted costs of climate damages on people and planet – and the distortion is even greater,” decrying that: “Countries that cling to fossil fuels are not protecting their economies – they are
sabotaging them; Driving up costs;
Undermining competitiveness; Locking-in stranded assets; And missing the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century.”
He said secondly, renewables are here to stay because they are the foundation of
energy security and sovereignty.
Guterres said: “Let’s be clear: The greatest threat to energy security today is fossil fuels. They leave economies and people at the mercy of price shocks, supply disruptions, and geopolitical turmoil.
Just look at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A war in Europe led to a global energy crisis.
Oil and gas prices soared. Electricity and food bills followed.
“In 2022 average households around the world saw energy costs jump 20%.
Modern and competitive economies need stable, affordable energy. Renewables
offer both. There are no price spikes for sunlight. No embargoes on wind. Renewables can put power – literally and figuratively – in the hands of people and
governments.
“And almost every nation has enough sun, wind, or water to become energy self-
sufficient. Renewables mean real energy security. Real energy sovereignty. And real freedom from fossil-fuel volatility.”
He said the third and final reason why there is no going back on renewables is because of easy access.
The UN Secretary General said: “You can’t build a coal plant in someone’s backyard.
But you can deliver solar panels to the most remote village on earth. Solar and wind can be deployed faster, cheaper and more flexibly than fossil fuels ever could.
“And while nuclear will be part of the global energy mix, it can never fill the access
gaps. All of this is a game-changer for the hundreds of millions of people still living
without electricity – most of them in Africa, a continent bursting with renewable
potential.”
He noted that by 2040, Africa could generate 10 times more electricity than it needs – entirely from renewables.
Guterres: End of Fossil Fuel Has Come
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
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